Jeremiah 35

Jeremiah 35 provides a contrast between the obedience of the Rechabites and the disobedience of Judah. The Rechabites, a clan living in Judah, are commended for their loyalty to their ancestor Jonadab, who commanded them to live a simple life, abstaining from wine and settling in tents. In contrast, Judah repeatedly ignores God's commands. This chapter serves as a lesson, demonstrating the faithfulness of the Rechabites and the failure of Judah to honor God, even after repeated warnings.

Jeremiah 35:1-10 (NKJV)
1 The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, saying,
2 “Go to the house of the Rechabites, speak to them, and bring them into the house of the Lord, into one of the chambers, and give them wine to drink.”
3 Then I took Jaazaniah the son of Jeremiah, the son of Habazziniah, his brothers and all his sons, and the whole house of the Rechabites,
4 and I brought them into the house of the Lord, into the chamber of the sons of Hanan the son of Igdaliah, a man of God, which was by the chamber of the princes, above the chamber of Maaseiah the son of Shallum, the keeper of the door.
5 Then I set before the sons of the house of the Rechabites bowls full of wine, and cups; and I said to them, “Drink wine.”
6 But they said, “We will drink no wine, for Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, commanded us, saying, ‘You shall drink no wine, you nor your sons, forever.
7 You shall not build a house, sow seed, plant a vineyard, nor have any of these; but all your days you shall dwell in tents, that you may live many days in the land where you are sojourners.’
8 Thus we have obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, in all that he charged us, to drink no wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, or our daughters,
9 nor to build ourselves houses to dwell in; nor do we have vineyard, field, or seed.
10 But we have dwelt in tents, and have obeyed and done according to all that Jonadab our father commanded us.”

Jeremiah is instructed by God to test the Rechabites’ faithfulness by bringing them to the temple and offering them wine. Despite the offer, the Rechabites remain firm in their commitment to the lifestyle prescribed by their ancestor Jonadab. Their loyalty to this command is evident as they refuse to drink wine, explaining that Jonadab taught them to live simply, abstaining from wine, building permanent homes, or planting crops. This steadfastness highlights their respect for tradition and obedience, standing in contrast to the unfaithfulness of the broader society.

Jeremiah 35:11-16 (NKJV)
11 But it came to pass, when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up into the land, that we said, ‘Come, let us go to Jerusalem for fear of the army of the Chaldeans and for fear of the army of the Syrians.’ So we dwell at Jerusalem.”
12 Then came the word of the Lord to Jeremiah, saying,
13 “Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: ‘Go and tell the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, “Will you not receive instruction to obey My words?” says the Lord.
14 “The words of Jonadab the son of Rechab, which he commanded his sons, not to drink wine, are performed; for to this day they drink none, and obey their father’s commandment. But although I have spoken to you, rising early and speaking, you did not obey Me.
15 I have also sent to you all My servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them, saying, ‘Turn now everyone from his evil way, amend your doings, and do not go after other gods to serve them; then you will dwell in the land which I have given you and your fathers.’ But you have not inclined your ear, nor obeyed Me.
16 Surely the sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have performed the commandment of their father, which he commanded them, but this people has not obeyed Me.”’

The Rechabites explain that they temporarily took shelter in Jerusalem to avoid the Babylonian and Syrian armies. God then uses their obedience to Jonadab’s commands as an example to rebuke Judah for ignoring His repeated calls to repentance. Despite receiving numerous messages from God through the prophets, Judah continues in disobedience, contrasting sharply with the Rechabites' loyalty to their ancestor. This comparison reveals the stubbornness of Judah and serves as a call to reflect on the importance of obeying God’s word.

Jeremiah 35:17-19 (NKJV)
17 “Therefore thus says the Lord God of hosts, the God of Israel: ‘Behold, I will bring on Judah and on all the inhabitants of Jerusalem all the doom that I have pronounced against them, because I have spoken to them but they have not heard, and I have called to them but they have not answered.’”
18 And Jeremiah said to the house of the Rechabites, “Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: ‘Because you have obeyed the commandment of Jonadab your father, and kept all his precepts and done according to all that he commanded you,
19 therefore thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: “Jonadab the son of Rechab shall not lack a man to stand before Me forever.” ’ ”

God pronounces judgment on Judah due to their repeated disobedience, stating that punishment is inevitable because they ignored His calls. Meanwhile, He promises a blessing to the Rechabites for their faithfulness, declaring that Jonadab’s descendants will always have a place in God’s presence. This divine reward contrasts with the fate of Judah, showing that God values and honors faithfulness and obedience. The chapter concludes with a clear message: while disobedience brings judgment, loyalty and adherence to righteous principles bring lasting favor and blessing.